SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 29, 2007
POSTED: Thursday, November 29, 2007
OneModelPlace is a reputable model/photographer networking site with nearly a quarter million members, and over ten years in the market.
We work in full compliance with all states which require licensing for talent agencies.
In fact, we communicate directly and frequently with those states' licensing, regulatory, and/or consumer affairs departments which handle licensing to ensure that we are keeping in good faith with both our membership and the state licensing regulators.
If we requested licensing information from this company or individual, they were utilizing OneModelPlace in a manner which requires licensing under the talent agency laws of the state in which they reside and do business.
In California, California Labor Code section 1700-1700.4 requires companies which operate in a manner described under this law to have an extensive background check performed, then the company or individual must file a surety bond and pass specific requirements to obtain a specific license from the state to act as a talent agent or agency.
These license and bonding requirements are put in place by the state for the protection of the models who are represented by talent agencies, and act as a layer of addtional safety so models can determine which agencies are likely to help their careers, and which businesses are only out to take advantage of them.
If this company was performing as a talent agency, but not in compliance with the laws of California which protect models, then there is no doubt that they lost the use of the communication features on OneModelPlace, as the rules for the site are clearly explained in both the User Agreement, and the Email rules, which all members are required to read before begining the signup process.
OMP also requires that all members signing up for the site checkmark that they have read the rules, and are in agreement with the terms of use.
Members are allowed to send email/referrals to up to 50 models a day. However, it is clearly explained in the rules for using the email/referral system that it is to be used for direct communication regarding assignments, and should never be used to spam parties, contests or advertisments.
No one likes receiving SPAM, and OneModelPlace actively works to keep communications on the site positive, and to the benefit of the members. One way we do this is by not permitting SPAM about parties, contests or unsolicited advertising.
In short - this person/company ignored the rules that they assured our community that they would follow; likely they were not working within the laws that govern the business they were promoting, and are unhappy because we enforced the rules which keep our site and community beneficial to our members.
Our customer service department works hard to ensure that all compaints and queries are heard, and acted upon. If this former member was unable to work within the ethical or legal boundries of the industry, we can't be held accountable for the lack of good faith on their part, ar a failure to understand the rules and laws which regulate the business in which they choose to pursue.